Pierluigi Collina is a retired Italian football referee, widely regarded as one of the best referees in the history of the sport. Born on February 13, 1960, in Bologna, Italy, he officiated in numerous high-profile matches, including the FIFA World Cup finals in 1999 and 2002. His distinctive bald head and intense gaze made him a recognizable figure on the field. Collina began his refereeing career in the 1970s and quickly rose through the ranks, earning a reputation for his fairness and authority. He was awarded the title of FIFA's Best Referee multiple times and has since worked as a referee instructor and a member of the FIFA Referees Committee.